SOUTH PASADENA - Two liquor thieves escaped police following a brief chase in a stolen car Saturday, but it wasn't a clean getaway, authorities said. They left behind identification, including an inmate wristband from a previous stay in county jail.

Police did not release the names of the men as they continued seeking them and prepared a criminal case for prosecutors, South Pasadena police Lt. Mike Neff said.

Police received a call about 1:30 p.m. reporting the men were stealing liquor from Bristol Farms, 606 Fair Oaks Ave., the sergeant said. In addition to Saturday's theft, they were seen the previous day stealing alcohol, he added.